DANSVILLE, N. Y., 1852.
I have seen only the
most meagre account of D——'s and R——'s speeches. I do not see how D—— can come
out without being battered and shattered to pieces. Nor ought he to. I think he
has been false to great principles, though with such palliations as apostates
always find. I think posterity does not look at crimes as the traitors
themselves do. With the latter it may not be unmitigated and untempted crime.
They have their excuses, their subterfuges, and their casuistry. Görgey
doubtless disguised his treason to himself under some plea of benefit to his
nation. It is a known fact, that Arnold stoutly contended that he desired to confer
a benefit on his country as the motive of his treachery. Judas probably made
himself believe that the interests of religion demanded the surrender of his
Master. Even Mr. Webster talks to this day as if, in sacrificing the immortal
principles of liberty, he had only the good of the Union in view. But when the
occasion has passed by, when the event is far removed into the past, then the
palliations and the pretexts are lost sight of; and only the black, fatal,
damning guilt remains for the detestation and abhorrence of men.
SOURCE: Mary Tyler
Peabody Mann, Life of Horace Mann, p. 357
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